The Last Unicorn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Last Unicorn" by Shout! Factory features a 1.85:1 AVC-encoded 1080p transfer, sourced from a brand-new 2K scan. The visuals are spectacular, with vibrant colors and impressive contrast. The film's palette, from the greens of the forest to the fiery reds of the Red Bull, is well-represented with vivid saturation and depth. The white of the unicorn is particularly striking against the rich backgrounds. The animation is consistently detailed, with individual brush strokes in the trees and fine character design vividly rendered. Black levels are accurate, providing inky depths in dark scenes without losing detail.

Notably, grain is present but not overwhelmingly so. While some viewers have expressed concerns about Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), the grain largely remains intact and only occasionally displays resolution issues common in Shout! releases. Interestingly, grain becomes more evident in blue-tinged scenes but reduces significantly in red-dominated sequences. Additionally, there are source-related imperfections such as sporadic flicker and background warping, plus minor scratches and dirt, most noticeable in nighttime scenes.

Overall, this release offers a markedly brighter image compared to the previous Lionsgate Blu-ray edition, with more robust color saturation. Despite internet debates about potential overuse of DNR, this version maintains a filmic appearance with a richer and more dynamic color space that enhances the viewing experience. As a restored image with minimal digital interference, "The Last Unicorn" on Shout! Factory Blu-ray stands as an impressive visual upgrade and celebration of the film’s original artistry.

The Blu-ray release of "The Last Unicorn" offers two audio tracks: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The 5.1 mix is exceptional for a film of this age, providing a robust and dynamic support for Jimmy Webb's charming score, sung by America. The surround channels are effectively engaged, particularly during sequences such as the enchanting opening song and various atmospheric effects including crickets, wind, and water drops. The low frequency effects are judiciously applied, enhancing battles like the Harpy sequence and the climactic encounter with the Red Bull. Dialogue remains consistently clean and well-centered without any noticeable flaws such as hiss or static. While primarily driven by the Left/Center/Right channels, the surround activity, though occasional, is executed wonderfully.

The 2.0 track, despite being louder than the 5.1 mix, also delivers an impressive auditory experience, with vivid dialogue, sound effects, and bass presentation. A notable aspect of the audio is the dynamic range which maintains a broad spectrum throughout the entirety of the film, integrating music, vocal tracks, and sound effects seamlessly. The subwoofer usage is light but effective, adding depth to both musical scores and action scenes without overwhelming the listener. The overall audio fidelity of both tracks is remarkable given the film's age, maintaining clarity and presence that hold up well in a modern home cinema setting. Sound effects are distinct and loud, contributing to an engaging auditory presentation that respects the film's original sound design.

"The Last Unicorn" Blu-ray extras deliver an insightful and comprehensive dive into the film's background and production process. The audio commentary is a standout, featuring the author Peter S. Beagle and key production members. Their discussion spans various facets of the film from casting to fan reception, offering an engaging and well-orchestrated narrative. The "True Magic" documentary provides a retrospective with interviews detailing the film's creation and cultural impact. The screening tour highlights with Peter S. Beagle feature heartfelt fan interactions and personal stories, adding a sentimental touch. Animated storyboards offer a rough but intriguing glimpse into the film’s visual development, though image clarity could be improved. Finally, the original trailer presents a nostalgic comparison to the film's remastered quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth insights from author and production team.
• True Magic: The Story of The Last Unicorn: Retrospective documentary.
• Highlights from The Last Unicorn Worldwide Screening Tour: Clips and Q&A from the tour.
• Animated Storyboards: Rough visual development sequences.
• Original Trailer: Nostalgic trailer showcasing the original quality.

Peter S. Beagle’s beloved fantasy, "The Last Unicorn," marks its return to the Blu-ray format with Shout! Factory's release, featuring a newly advertised 2K scan. This reissue follows Lionsgate's previous well-received version and builds upon it with enhanced visual fidelity. The new transfer reportedly provides a more vibrant and detailed portrayal of the film’s iconic animation. Contributing to the cultural resurgence of this classic, a global screening event was organized, accompanied by appearances from Beagle himself, further cementing the film’s ongoing legacy in the hearts of its fans.

Rankin/Bass’s animation retains its distinctive charm, drawing viewers into an enchanted world filled with rich, well-rendered backgrounds and character designs that reflect an anime influence. As expected, the all-star vocal cast delivers exceptional performances, particularly Alan Arkin as Schmendrick and Mia Farrow as the Unicorn/Lady Amalthea. Angela Lansbury also shines as the sinister Mommy Fortuna. The narrative is punctuated by Jimmy Webb’s memorable score performed by America, adding a layer of emotional depth. Each frame seems meticulously crafted, reminiscent of one long moving painting, underscoring the high quality achieved on a modest budget of just over 3 million dollars, rivaling many Disney productions of its time.

Adapted from Beagle's novel, the story follows a singular unicorn on a quest to rescue her kin from King Haggard's oppressive enforcer, the Red Bull. The action culminates in a spectacular final battle that captivates both young and adult audiences alike, with a bittersweet ending that underscores the film's timeless allure. While some may find the pacing challenging or have issues engaging deeply with certain aspects of the animation style, the film's artistic merit and compelling storytelling remain undeniable. For fans and collectors, this enhanced Blu-ray edition offers an exquisite revisit to a cherished animated gem.

The Shout! Factory Blu-ray release of "The Last Unicorn" is a superb rendition of a classic animated film that has garnered widespread affection over the years. This edition boasts significantly improved video quality, with noticeably brighter colors compared to the earlier Lionsgate release. While some viewers might be sensitive to minor compression issues and the differences in grain representation between the releases, these variations do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The transfer is handled expertly, allowing the timeless art and character designs to shine vividly on modern screens. The audio presentation is equally commendable, delivering a clear and immersive soundscape.

In addition to the technical enhancements, this release includes a substantial array of new supplemental features that will delight collectors and fans alike. These extras add significant value to the package, providing deeper insights into the making of this beloved film. Shout! Factory has managed to compile a collection that appeals not only to nostalgic viewers but also to those experiencing "The Last Unicorn" for the first time. The enduring charm of its 2D animation and heartfelt storytelling ensures that it continues to resonate across generations.

This is one of those rare releases whose different versions may well belong on many fans' shelves. The video here is certainly different-looking than on the Lionsgate release, but I personally saw no signs of hugely problematic DNR, and in fact, the grain field encounters some of the same compression issues we've seen on other Shout! releases. Colors are quite a bit brighter on this release, something that I found more immediately obvious than any manifest reduction of grain. New supplements on this release are probably one of the most obvious calling cards, but that said, the Lionsgate release also boasts superb supplements. One way or the other, this Shout! release comes highly recommended.